The King's bastard cokrk-1

by Rowena Cory Daniells

  Byren felt the smile slip from his face. Though he'd come to the same conclusion, he hadn't expected Piro to put all the pieces together. He'd underestimated her.

  Orrade sent him a wry look. Byren acknowledged it and indicated Piro was to go on.

  'As I see it, you have to get back to Rolenhold and discredit Cobalt before Lence can accuse you.' She paused, watching to see if he'd object.

  'Keep talking.'

  'The manticore chitin is to put Father in a good mood, right?'

  'It's worth a small fortune and not even the warlord of Manticore Spar has a whole suit of armour. So, yes, it should impress Father.'

  She nodded. 'You'll give it to him, then accuse Cobalt of — '

  'Setting the manticores on us? There's no proof.'

  'No, of having Affinity. Father will send for the warder and wardess. They'll test him and Father will have to banish him, or send him to the abbey. Either way, he won't be able to cause any more trouble.'

  'And what of Lence's accusation?'

  Piro tilted her head. Byren waited for her to go on.

  'Lence doesn't have a shred of proof and all you've ever done is serve Rolencia loyally. If he arrives to find Cobalt discredited, he may not even accuse you.'

  'He could have proof,' Orrade objected. 'Fabricated by Cobalt.'

  Of course. Why hadn't he thought of that? No wonder Lence had believed the worst. Relief made Byren laugh.

  'What?' Orrade demanded.

  He grabbed Orrade and planted a kiss on his cheek. 'Thank you!'

  Orrade blinked, stunned.

  Byren laughed again, stood up and turned on his skate blades to face his friend. 'I've been walking around feeling sick to my stomach because I couldn't believe Lence would turn on me. Now you've just explained it. Cobalt must have convinced him with a forgery of some kind, or with a servant paid to lie. All I have to do is discredit Cobalt and Lence will see reason!'

  Piro clapped her hands in delight. Byren hugged her, lifting her off the ground, spinning her around. She giggled and clung to him.

  He set her down and turned to Orrade and Garzik. 'Come on. The sooner we get back, the sooner I clear my name.'

  And save his family from Cobalt's machinations. Byren couldn't wait to wipe that satisfied smile off Illien's face.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  'This way, mother, Byren's waiting,' Piro urged, hardly able to stand still. Excitement thrummed through her body like a drawn bowstring. She wanted to see Cobalt discredited and Byren safe.

  It was mid-afternoon and, as her brother had anticipated, King Rolen was in the great hall. The decorative friezes glinted in the many candles as Piro and her mother weaved through the forest of columns towards the fireside table, where the king sat drinking and talking with his close friends. Like Captain Temor, these lords were the survivors of his generation who had stood by him during the great battle, all that remained of his original noble honour guard. All but Cobalt, who even now was leaning forwards speaking. He looked so confident, so sincere as he described the sea-hounds, a fleet of warriors, which Ostron Isle sanctioned to contain the Utland menace. Piro was not surprised the older men trusted him. Only her Affinity allowed her to see into his hollow soul.

  'Piro?' her mother prodded and she realised she had come to a dead stop.

  'Myrella?' The king noticed them. His weather-beaten face creased into a smile of pleasure. 'And little Piro. Back already? Where's Byren?'

  Piro turned to the main entrance. Garzik must have been watching because, at that moment, the doors parted and Byren entered, dragging a low-wheeled wagon. Canvas covered the fabulous manticore chitin which was piled high as a man. Garzik and Orrade followed.

  'What's this?' Captain Temor muttered.

  The king's old honour guard fell silent as they waited for Byren to reach them. The few servants stopped their work and watched curiously. Was Cobalt surprised to see Byren? Piro stole a quick look. He had gone very still and his expression was blank, as she watched his features settle into a look of mildly amused surprise. It would have appeared charming, if she hadn't watched him deliberately assume the expression. It was as though he'd selected it, as you might select an outfit for a special occasion.

  She shivered.

  'King Rolen, Queen Myrella.' Byren greeted their parents formally. He nodded to the others present, his face unusually grim. 'A gift for King Rolen, from your second son.' With a flourish he pulled off the canvas cover. 'Enough manticore chitin to fashion a complete set of armour.'

  Everyone gasped.

  'Looks like you've killed a whole pride,' Captain Temor marvelled.

  Byren nodded. 'A male, two females and five juveniles.'

  'Amazing. And you not only live to tell of it, you bring me their chitin!' King Rolen marched over to join him. 'But how is this? I thought you were visiting Dovecote estate, not hunting manticores.'

  'The manticores were hunting us.' Byren did not so much as glance at Cobalt. Piro didn't know how he managed it. 'I was unlucky enough to come across a pride, but the goddess smiled on me and, with help…' he nodded to Garzik and Orrade, 'the hunters became the hunted. So here I am.'

  Their father beamed. 'You must tell me how you three lads killed a whole pride.'

  'We had help,' Byren said.

  'And Piro killed one on her own!' Garzik announced.

  King Rolen's eyes widened. His honour guard muttered, astounded.

  'Eh, my little Piro.' King Rolen chuckled. 'Your mother was right to name you after Pirola the Fierce!'

  Piro glanced to her mother, who was looking at her as if she hadn't really seen her before.

  'Did you set traps, Byren?' Temor asked.

  'In a way. But first, I must bring something important to your attention, Father.' Byren waited until they all fell silent. 'King Rolen, I have reason to believe one of your trusted advisors has been hiding untamed Affinity.'

  'What?' the king stiffened. Their father had known these men since they were boys, fought beside them thirty years ago. The only new advisor was… 'Illien? You're accusing your cousin Illien, Byren?'

  Her brother nodded.

  'Byren!' their mother whispered, shocked.

  'Why, Byren?' Illien said sadly. 'What have I ever done to you?'

  Piro had to bite her tongue.

  'I'm only doing my duty, Illien,' Byren said. 'If you do not have Affinity, then you have nothing to fear.'

  'Exactly,' Cobalt agreed. 'Send for the warders, Uncle. I insist!'

  Cobalt was not acting like a man about to be exposed. Either he had nerves of steel or… was it possible to fool the warders? A nasty feeling settled in Piro's stomach. Had Illien learnt some technique in Ostron Isle, where Affinity was accepted and put to use? No, that wasn't possible. In her studies she had read of instances when warders exposed foreigners who were renegade Power-workers, disguised as simple merchants.

  Both Halcyon and Sylion warders were sent for and there was general muttering while everyone waited. Though the old honour guard moved away from Cobalt, isolating him, the king stayed at his side. The queen edged closer to Piro to whisper, 'What's going on?'

  'Does Cobalt have Affinity?'

  'Not that I've sensed. He's — '

  'Walled. I know. Perhaps that's because he's been cloaking it all this time.'

  The queen shook her head. 'I'd know. I can't believe he could hide this from me. Why is Byren attacking him?'

  'If you can't look into Cobalt's heart, look into Byren's,' Piro urged.

  Her mother crossed to Byren. Taking his hand in hers she asked something softly. Piro followed, curious. As Byren went to answer, he frowned and rubbed the bridge of his nose. The queen made a soft noise of pain in her throat. She swayed.

  'What's wrong, mother?' Byren asked.

  She shook her head and reached out to steady herself. Piro caught her hand, helping as Byren led her to a chair.

  'Do you need a drink, mother? Is it one of your Turns?' Byren asked gently. 'Shoul
d I send for Seela?'

  The queen shook her head. Byren squeezed her shoulder then rejoined the others.

  'Well, mother?' Piro whispered.

  The queen looked up, eyes swimming with dread. 'I have always sensed Lence's shadow beside Byren. It's missing. I fear Lence — '

  'He's fine. Or he was when we left him at Dovecote,' Piro said. They were a good body length from the men and it seemed the right time to explain about the manticore attack, but just then Byren spoke up.

  'Why don't you ask why I accuse you, Illien?'

  'I imagine you have your reasons. When I am cleared of this ridiculous accusation, I will — '

  Nun Springdawn arrived, with Monk Autumnwind on her heels. They crossed the great hall, their slippers making no sound on the flag stones, then dropped to one knee in front of her father.

  'You sent for us, King Rolen,' they spoke in unison, one voice high and clear, the other deep and aged.

  'Yes, Warder Autumnwind, Wardess Springdawn,' the king greeted them formally. 'Byren Kingson has made a serious accusation. I want you to test Illien of Cobalt for Affinity.'

  The two warders exchanged startled looks.

  The queen rose and rejoined the group. Piro followed, certain whatever her mother might feel for Cobalt, this would be outweighed by her feelings for Byren.

  'As you wish, King Rolen,' the monk said. They both came to their feet and turned to Cobalt.

  'Beware,' Piro spoke up.

  All eyes turned to her.

  'He may be hiding his Affinity. I've heard it can be hidden behind walls.' She kept her voice firm while inside she quailed, wary of revealing knowledge which might lead to her own exposure.

  'It is good to know my many hours of tutoring have not been wasted,' Springdawn said proudly and Piro had the grace to blush. When she had been the nun's pupil Springdawn was more often frustrated than pleased with her diligence. 'But it takes years of training to develop a wall. He may have some natural shielding. Some minds are born with it.'

  'I am ready,' Cobalt announced, stepping forwards. 'What would you have me do?'

  Springdawn took a slight step backs indicating Autumnwind should speak.

  'Normally one of us would lay our hands on a child's head and skim the surface of their mind,' the Affinity warder said. 'With children it is very simple, they have no defences.'

  'And with adults?' King Rolen asked.

  Springdawn leant closer to Autumnwind to whisper.

  'Speak up. I would know everything,' King Rolen urged.

  Springdawn bobbed her head in apology. 'I was suggesting my colleague is better suited to this task. Affinity affects men differently from women.'

  Piro hadn't known that, though she supposed it made sense. She watched as Springdawn stepped back. Why did the nun look pleased?

  'King Rolen, I am honour-bound to speak the truth,' Autumnwind warned.

  'Of course, of course.' Her father waved him on. Piro realised if the Affinity warder had to condemn Cobalt, he would do it, even though it would not please the king. No wonder Springdawn looked satisfied.

  'Proceed,' the king said.

  'Very well. Will someone restrain the candidate?'

  'You do not need to hold me.' Cobalt lifted his hands palm up. With his handsome features, he looked noble and wronged. 'I will not struggle.'

  Autumnwind grimaced. 'You may collapse. It can be — '

  'Then I'll sit.' Cobalt beckoned a servant who hurried over with a straight-backed chair.

  After this was adjusted to Autumnwind's satisfaction Cobalt sat, hands resting on his thighs. 'I'm ready.'

  Everyone else seemed more uncomfortable with the proceedings than he.

  'Will it hurt?' Piro asked the question that seemed to be on everyone's mind.

  'Only if he resists,' Autumnwind explained.

  Cobalt blinked once and inhaled deeply, as though preparing for the worst. Despite herself, Piro felt a tug of admiration and sympathy.

  She gave herself a mental shake. If this hurt Cobalt — and she was certain it would — it was his own fault for using Affinity to manipulate her family.

  Springdawn stepped closer to Piro, hemming her in, so that the nun was on one side and the queen on the other.

  'This natural shielding, Piro,' Springdawn's soft voice fell into the rhythm of lecture, 'you have it too.'

  Piro went very still.

  Unaware of her reaction, Springdawn raised her voice. 'I am here if you need support, warder.'

  The monk sent her a sharp look that held an undercurrent of dislike.

  Then Autumnwind, Halcyon Affinity warder, stepped around behind Cobalt, placed both hands on the larger man's temples and closed his eyes.

  Piro desperately wanted to observe Autumnwind's technique. She longed to open her senses so that she could see with her Unseen sight but she didn't dare, not with the wardess at her side.

  'Do not fear, Piro.' Springdawn took her hand and squeezed it. 'Affinity rarely turns nasty. Though I did read of one occasion when the warder died before they could disengage his senses from the candidate, who turned out to be a renegade Power-worker in disguise.'

  Autumnwind's eyes flew open and the look he sent her this time was definitely unfriendly. Then he lowered his lids again and spoke the words to clear his mind and open his senses.

  Piro looked away, controlling her instinct to observe. She felt Springdawn do the same thing, distancing herself from the procedure. Why would she do that? Was the Sylion nun leaving her colleague to sink or swim?

  At least a dozen people were present, but no one fidgeted or spoke as the silence stretched. Piro heard servants going about their tasks. Voices echoed down the halls, distorted by distance, while, in the great hall, there was only the sound of the fire crackling in the hearth, which was big enough to burn a trunk as thick as a man was tall.

  Despite her best intentions, Piro's gaze was drawn back to Autumnwind and Cobalt. The monk frowned and Cobalt grimaced, lips white as if in pain. Sweat beads collected on the monk's forehead. Cobalt groaned and ground his teeth.

  Piro had to fight the instinct to reach for her Affinity. The effort made her sway.

  Springdawn noticed. 'Are you unwell, Piro?'

  'She's upset,' her mother said and gently led her away from the others over to the table where their wine sat forgotten. She pressed Piro into a chair and put her head forwards. The nun followed them.

  'Breath deeply, Piro. It will pass,' her mother said.

  'I know it is not a pretty sight, this Affinity seeking,' Springdawn said softly. 'The smell of blood affects me the same way.'

  'I'm all right now,' Piro whispered. She lifted her head, feeling her cheeks grow warm as the colour returned. 'What… what happens if he can't get past Cobalt's natural shielding?'

  'Then sorbt stones are the final proof. We strap a stone to the Candidate's naked skin and leave it there. At some point his concentration must falter, he has to let down his guard to sleep, you see. The moment his walls drop the stone will sense the Affinity and naturally try to absorb it. Any trained warder can detect if the stone is activated. The danger is, that once activated the stone can drain an untrained person to death within heartbeats. Sorbt stones are very powerful.'

  Piro shuddered and glanced towards Cobalt and Byren. Despite her fear of detection she wanted to see what was happening. 'How long will this take?'

  'As long as it needs to,' Springdawn said.

  'Are you feeling better now, Piro?' her mother asked.

  She nodded and stood up. They headed towards the others but had not even reached Garzik and Orrade, who were on the outer circle, when the smell hit Piro. Sweat and vomit.

  'Ugh.' Her nose wrinkled then she froze, afraid that this smell was something only those with Affinity would be aware of.

  'Yes.' Springdawn shuddered. 'It's a bad one. Trust Autumnwind to force his way through.'

  'What is that smell?' Piro whispered.

  'It's the smell of battle,' Orrade
muttered. 'Only battle's worse.'

  'How could it be worse?'

  He just looked at her. She glimpsed a window to horror before he shielded his mind. And she thought she knew Orrade. He was a blade, sharp and merciless. She shuddered. Damn her Affinity. Had Springdawn noticed?

  'Catch them!' King Rolen yelled.

  The queen thrust through the others, with Piro on her heels. They were in time to see Cobalt sway and tumble forwards off the chair. Her father caught Cobalt's arm before he could hit the ground. Autumnwind struggled to a seat, visibly shaken. No one had actually thrown up, the smell came through their skin.

  Piro had never come across anything like it. The smell hit her at a primal level. Fear, it said. Danger.

  Instinct triggered her Affinity and her sight shifted to the Unseen. The monk pulsed, his outline hazy as if he was only partly there. She could tell he had exhausted himself.

  'Wine!' The king's words reached her as if they came down a deep tunnel, reverberating oddly. He held out his hand and a goblet was refilled then placed in his grasp. He handed it to Cobalt, who drained it in one go, hands trembling.

  He hardly registered on Piro's vision. No power radiated from him. But then no power radiated from her mother either as she poured Autumnwind a drink and gave it to him.

  Springdawn shifted and Piro glanced to her, not surprised to see that she also pulsed like the monk, but much more strongly. The nun had not exhausted her store of Affinity.

  Made aware that she was exposing herself needlessly, Piro tried to rein in her Affinity, backing up until she hit someone.

  'Piro, you're trembling.' Garzik steadied her.

  'Don't feel so good.'

  'I know. The smell's almost too much for me too.' He tried to lead her back to the chair but she planted her feet. She didn't want to miss a thing.

  'And what did you learn, Warder Autumnwind?' King Rolen asked formally.

  The monk moved off the chair, sinking to one knee before his king. 'I could detect no Affinity.'

  It was as Piro had feared.

  'What?' Byren unfolded his arms. 'You jest!'

  'If the warder could detect no Affinity that's good enough for me,' the king said. He put a hand on Cobalt's shoulder and squeezed. The younger man reached up to return the pressure.